Watermelons and melons market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The Italian watermelons and melons market volume rose from 922 000 t in 2018 to 1 127 000 t in 2019. This increase coincided with the enforcement of new EU labeling rules and enhanced quality controls for fresh produce, which improved market transparency and likely supported consumer confidence. Further European regulatory measures adopted in 2019 aimed at boosting agri-food market transparency, contributing to the market's expansion during this period.

Following a contraction to 956 000 t in 2020, the market recovered steadily, reaching 1 020 000 t by 2022. The UN's declaration of 2021 as the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables raised consumer awareness and promoted policies to reduce waste, indirectly stimulating demand. Concurrently, climate change began affecting growing conditions, influencing fruit size and shape, though overall market volume continued its upward trend.

A significant surge to 1 309 000 t occurred in 2023, driven primarily by the launch of new product segments such as netted watermelons and the Lola-branded watermelon. These innovations attracted consumer interest and increased traded volumes. While prolonged drought in Sicily created challenges for some local crops, the introduction of these new varieties was a key factor in the market's strong growth that year.

Production watermelons and melons in Italy

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Italy ranked as the 17th largest producer of watermelons and melons globally.

Top producers of watermelons and melons, 2017-2020

World map of production of watermelons and melons, 2017-2020

Italy's production of watermelons and melons grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output reached 1 245.3 thousand tonnes, showing minimal change compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 5.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Italy in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following a two-year increase, Italy's production of watermelons and melons declined in value. In 2020, the output was valued at 585.1 million US dollars, marking an 8.2% drop from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value grew by 11.1%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 3.6%. The peak value occurred in 2019 at 637.6 million US dollars, with the largest increase of 11.1% also recorded that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Italy in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports watermelons and melons from Italy

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Italy's exports of watermelons and melons totaled 348.8 thousand tonnes, a 34.4% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 38.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.4%. The largest decline was in 2019 at 23.7%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 34.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Italy in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the top destinations for Italy's exports of watermelons and melons in volume terms were Germany (42.4% of exports), Poland (12.1%), and Czechia (7.2%). Together, these three countries accounted for 61.8% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Italy in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Italy exported 163.9 million US dollars worth of watermelons and melons in 2020, representing a 23.0% year-over-year gain. Between 2017 and 2020, export value increased by 45.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 13.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 164.1 million US dollars, with the largest decline in 2019 at 18.8% and the largest increase in 2018 at 45.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Italy in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Over the 2017-2020 period, Germany (41.0% of export value), Switzerland (10.4%), and Poland (8.2%) were the main buyers of watermelons and melons from Italy. Combined, these three countries comprised 59.7% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Italy in value, 2017-2020

Imports watermelons and melons to Italy

Imports in kind, K t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2020, after peaking in 2019—a 2.4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Italy's imports of watermelons and melons amounted to 59.8 thousand tonnes, a 58.7% decrease year-over-year. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 144.8 thousand tonnes, with the largest increase of 99.8% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Italy in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Spain (27.8% of import volume), Greece (23.3%), and Brazil (9.7%) were the primary sources for Italy's imports of watermelons and melons. Together, these three countries supplied 60.8% of total import volume.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Italy in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year rise, Italy's imports of watermelons and melons declined in value. In 2020, import value was recorded at 48.4 million US dollars, down 52.2% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 14.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.2%. The peak value was in 2019 at 101.3 million US dollars, with the largest increase of 63.3% also in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Italy in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Throughout 2017-2020, Spain (29.0% of import value), France (16.3%), and Greece (12.4%) remained key partners for Italy's imports of watermelons and melons in value terms. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 57.6% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Italy in value, 2017-2020